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Competition for milk within NI has led to a number of dairy processors offering increased financial premiums for winter milk.
Tirlán will now pay a 3p/l bonus on all litres over the five months from October 2024 to February 2025, a change from the 3p/l payment from November to February in previous years.
For an average NI farm producing 750,000l annually in a typical, seasonal supply pattern, the new winter bonus will generate around £9,000, up from £7,200 last winter.
Lakeland Dairies is extending its 3p/l winter bonus from November and December to also cover January and February. For the average NI dairy herd, it means winter milk premiums rise from £3,480 to approximately £7,200.
Strathroy will also pay a 3p/l bonus over the four months from November to February, having previously paid 1p/l for milk produced from October to February.
Dale Farm is retaining its 2p/l bonus over three months from October to December.
In addition, the co-op operates an incentive from August to January, where suppliers receive 4p/l for every additional litre above a monthly reference volume, based on a three-year average from 2021 to 2023.
To date, Aurivo and Leprino Foods have made no changes to winter bonus payments. That means Aurivo will continue paying 2p/l over the four months from October to January, with Leprino paying a 2p/l bonus for three months from October to December.
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